Air Quality Alert

The Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) has issued a Dust Action Day for the Tucson Metro area until 8 PM MST this evening.

An episode of strong and gusty winds is forecast to generate widespread blowing dust that may result in local PM- 10 concentrations that pose a health risk. Adverse health effects increase as air quality deteriorates.

Coarse particulate matter - also known as PM-10 - is an air pollutant that can aggravate heart and lung disease conditions, especially in older adults, children, and those with asthma. A decrease in outdoor physical activity is recommended.

Consolidate your travel, stabilize loose soils, slow down or avoid travel on dirt roads, reduce or eliminate fireplace use, and avoid using gas-powered lawn equipment.

For details on this Action Day, visit the PDEQ website at www.pima.gov/deq or call 520-724-6885.